Olympic president declines to add pressure on LA Games chair Wasserman over Epstein files link

"The IOC showed no interest Wednesday in putting pressure on 2028 Los Angeles Olympics chair Casey Wasserman over personal emails released in the latest Jeffrey Epstein files. Wasserman has faced calls from lawmakers and those in political circles in L.A. to step down as chair of the city's Olympic project he has led since it was first a hosting candidate 11 years ago."

"From the IOC point of view, the (organizing committee) and how they are structured is not something we are going to get involved into, Coventry said. The IOC leader spoke at a news conference one day after she shared a stage with Wasserman when the L.A. organizing team updated Olympic officials on their hosting plans. He has put out a statement and there is really nothing else for me to add, Coventry said."

"In the statement Saturday, Wasserman said I deeply regret my correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell, which he said was long before her horrific crimes came to light. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on five counts of sex trafficking and abuse of minors, and is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Wasserman is expected to remain in Milan with his L.A. team until after the opening ceremony of the Winter Games on Friday evening."

The International Olympic Committee declined to pressure Los Angeles 2028 chair Casey Wasserman after personal emails with Ghislaine Maxwell surfaced in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Wasserman has faced calls from lawmakers and political figures in Los Angeles to resign from the Olympic organizing role he has led since the city's initial bid. IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the IOC will not involve itself in how the organizing committee is structured and noted Wasserman issued a statement. Wasserman expressed deep regret for his correspondence with Maxwell, calling it long before her crimes came to light. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 and is serving a 20-year sentence, and Wasserman is expected to remain in Milan through the Winter Games opening ceremony.

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